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Ubuntu Dell $50 Cheaper Than Vista Dell

Posted by kdawson on from the all-that-and-a-better-os-too dept.

rhinokitty writes "Dell recently announced that their Ubuntu systems will be $50 cheaper than similar systems running Vista (Home Basic Edition). This will be a good fork in the road for those people who need a little extra push to take hold of their dreams and run Linux."

3 of 389 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Is Ubuntu good? by grcumb · · Score: 5, Informative

    Is Ubuntu a good distro in this case, given as it's already installed? I mean, from the standpoint of a non-geeky computer user.

    I've installed Ubuntu on computers used by well over a thousand new computer users. Common tasks were picked up with as much ease as I've witnessed with first-time Windows users.

    A few things that new users tend to find useful:

    • The system menus are way easier to find your way around. Software is located in the Applications menu, and it's organised by purpose rather than brand name. Links to your hard drive, USB disk and CD ROM are in the Places menu. System-related tasks are in the System menu. You get the idea.
    • USB disks, CDs and other removable media pop open folders when inserted, much as they do in Windows.
    • The default interface is much cleaner and simpler than in Windows. Folders are simpler - which is not to say easier - to navigate. (This is useful for non-geeks, but can prove frustrating for power-users.)
    • Automatic updates are just as easy as - if not easier then - Windows, and all of your software is covered.
    • Upgrades are free. 8^)

    Those are just the first few things that spring to mind. I'm sure others can add to this list.

    Those who are accustomed to Windows will be accustomed to certain conventions, and this will rankle a little bit at first. But once you get used to the fact that, for example, the Start button is on the top of the screen rather than the bottom, you quickly find a lot to like.

    --
    Crumb's Corollary: Never bring a knife to a bun fight.
  2. Re:I hate Vista but for $50.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Except the hardware won't work. Most Dell other than their Linux machines use ATI and Broadcom, which are a HORRIBLE combination.

  3. Re:I'll take Vista thanks :-) by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 5, Informative
    The dialog is not normally annoying, but at times it can be. For example, try copying an executable file from an SMB share to your "Program Files" folder. It goes like this:
    • Are you sure you want to copy an executable from a shared folder? Yes
    • Are you sure you want to write something to a system folder? Yes!
    • Sorry, Dave, I can't do that. Copying .exe files from the network into "Program Files" is disabled for security reasons. WTF???
    Which is obviously an idiocy, and one I haven't seen elsewhere (in Ubuntu, anyway; haven't had a chance to play with Mac OS).